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purebred
adjective
pure·bred
ˈpyu̇r-ˈbred
-ˌbred
: bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without admixture of other blood over many generations
Synonyms
Examples of purebred in a Sentence
that horse is a purebred Arabian
Recent Examples on the Web
More broadly, some animal rights groups oppose dog breeding—and the promotion of purebred dogs—as a whole.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025
Besides running its dog registry, the nonprofit oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the U.S. and is a leading dog advocate.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
It's sanctioned by the AKC, meaning only purebred dogs registered with the American Kennel Club can participate.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024
There is some evidence that suggests mixed-breed dogs live longer than purebred dogs, according to a 2019 study, but the difference in lifespan decreases if the mixed-breed dogs are bigger.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1839, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near purebred
Cite this Entry
“Purebred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purebred. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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